Today’s scripture: Mark 14:3-9 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
Imagine pouring a $20,000 jar of perfumed oil on another person. It is easy to relate with those who became angry with the woman who spent so much money so “frivolously”. You can do a lot of good with such a sum! That kind of money can buy a lot of meals. It can help a lot of homeless families get back on their feet. Any clinic would be immensely grateful for such a gift, a laborer’s year’s wages. What a waste! It seems like it should have made Jesus mad, too; but his reaction was quite the opposite. Maybe it wasn’t about the money at all.
When Jesus said, “You always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish. . .” it made think about the missions work churches do. Some churches have food pantries and thrift stores with clothing for those who need it. We go places and build houses and dig wells. The work never ends. There will always be something more that needs doing. We can show kindness whenever we wish.
But how often do we get to just sit in God’s presence and do nothing but honor Him, anointing ourselves with His presence? When we go to church, it’s easy to get distracted by thinking about this meeting or that class. We need to talk to friends and catch up on projects and put in our time on ministry teams. It is easy to get so caught up in our working for Jesus that we forget to take the time to just be with him.
Thought for the day: What are my priorities in my relationships with God, Jesus, and my fellows? Am I working on building deep and meaningful relationships, or am I simply working?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.